Basketball signing period is underway

Wednesday

Nov 14, 2012 at 5:53 PM

Phil Kornblut

The early signing period for college basketball and other sports except football commenced Wednesday. Clemson announced the signings of previously committed players 6-6 Austin Ajukwa of Cardinal Newman and 6-3 Patrick Rooks of Charlotte. “We feel really good about the signing of Austin and Patrick,” Clemson coach Brad Brownell said. “We’ve tracked them the last couple of years, and both players can really score the basketball. Both are good students and come from great families, and we’re excited to have them at Clemson.” Last season Ajukwa averaged 21 points and 9 rebounds per game. “Austin is an athletic wing that can play a variety of positions,” Brownell said. “He had a very good junior year, followed by an outstanding summer. He will be a very good player at Clemson because he can do a lot of different things on the court. He has an ability to create his own shot, and can use his athleticism to make difficult shots at times.” Rooks averaged 14 points per game last season and shot 37% from three point range. “Patrick is an outstanding shooter with a quick release and deep range,” Brownell said. “He will help us stretch defenses, and will play with the scoring mentality that you need from a few guys on your team. He’s a good pull-up jump shooter. He is a young man who has followed this program for several years and always wanted to wear orange. That is exciting to me.” USC is expected to sign 6-4 Justin McKie of Irmo, 6-4 Sendarius Thornwell of Lancaster and Oak Hill Prep, VA and 6-9 Desmond Ringer of McDonough, GA. Presbyterian signed point guard Markus Terry of John's Creek, GA. He was the region player of the year last season. He's averaged 20 points, 6 assists and 5 rebounds per game for his career. And 6-5 Davaris McGowens of Eastside signed with High Point.